Finding the right person for any executive role is a recruiting challenge every organization eventually needs to take. Historically, Fortune 500 companies have hired multi-national search firms to fill executive roles. The logic behind this seems to make sense: large positions can only be filled by large firms right? Think again. In the last few years, we have seen a trend emerge where companies are interested in a more intimate and focused search approach than what a large national recruiting firm can offer.
Does this mean that any local search firm is likely to win over a larger national firm such as a Robert Half or Korn Ferry? No. We have seen that companies are doing their research, and choosing to partner with a firm that has a proven track record, specializes in the practice areas they need, and can show that they have the network and resources to get the job done. This is what we mean when we say a strong executive search firm.
Local search firms have local connections. They are able to go beyond scanning LinkedIn for strong profiles. Local executive recruiters are able to be on the ground building relationships with employers and talent in the area.
An executive search firm like SkyWater has several teams of recruiters, each specializing in a valued practice area. This means that if a company has partnered with us in the past to find talent for their IT teams, they often times return to their trusted SkyWater IT recruiter and ask to be introduced to a member of the SkyWater Accounting & Finance recruiting team when a need arises in that department. Our firm is strong enough to have the communication and trust to refer searches across teams. This benefits our clients greatly, as oftentimes SkyWater deeply understands the internal operations and leadership personalities of the organization, and can find the right fit for the new position very quickly.
Similar to most industries, you’re more likely to receive individualized attention from a smaller, local organization than you will from a larger, national company. When choosing a firm to own the search for your executive role, you’ll want a recruiter who listens and understands your businesses’ specific needs. A recruiter from a reputable local executive search firm should be able to match you not only with a qualified candidate, but the right candidate.
An executive search firm such as SkyWater Search Partners has specialized practice areas, with teams of recruiters who have developed a long-term network of professionals in the discipline that they represent. If your company is searching for a new Controller for example, you'll be paired with a team of recruiters at SkyWater who have relationships with Controllers in the area, and can quickly sus-out which of these professionals would be a good fit for your company.
Executive Search Firms In Your Backyard
When searching for the right search firm to approach with your vacancy, don't forget to look into the search firms that are in your backyard. Check to see that they have a proven track record, some major players on their recruiting staff and that they specialize in the discipline and even industry that you need to find talent in.
If you feel that SkyWater might be the best fit for you, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to chat.